Castlegar 1-8 The Rower-Inistioge 1-6
Aislinn Connolly scored all bar one of her side’s points in a player-of-the-match performance as Castlegar won the All-Ireland intermediate club camogie title at Donaghmore-Ashbourne writes Daragh Ó Conchúir.
The daughter of hurling legend, John Connolly was actually uncharacteristically array with a number of opportunities but her contribution was ultimately the significant one in the game.
Having missed three early frees, Connolly finally got Castlegar off the mark from a free but their more clinical opponents went four points clear within a matter of minutes.
Caitriona Ryan found Lizzie Lyng isolated with a lovely pass and the former Kilkenny star made no mistake from close range in the 11th minute for a fine goal.
Kelly Hamilton had a wonderful game at centre-back for the Leinster champions and added to her performance with six pointed frees. The first two of those made it 1-2 to 0-1.
Just before half time the increasingly influential Sara Kelly was fouled and Connolly planted the 20m free to the net for Castlegar’s first score in 15 minutes to send the sides in level at half time on 1-3 apiece.
Connolly converted an early free for the winners but Hamilton was successful from three consecutive placed balls to put The Rower-Inistioge ahead by two points with just ten minutes remaining.
They weren’t to score again though. Kelly was heavily involved as Connolly and Katie Connell restored parity before Connolly added another brace and Castlegar edged ahead for a memorable victory.
Scorers – Castlegar: A Connolly 1-7 (1-4fs, 0-1 45); K Connell 0-1
The Rower-Inistioge: K Hamilton 0-6(fs); L Lyng 1-0
Castlegar: E Concannon; K Murphy, D Burke, L Farragher; S Jacobsen, C Lee, O Keane; E Murphy, A Connolly; T Connolly, R Flaherty, S Kelly; K Connell, M Corcoran, M Farragher. Sub: T Kennedy for White (44)
The Rower-Inistioge: E Kavanagh; J Cullen, E Lyng, B Dempsey; E Hynes, K Hamilton, C Lyng; A Gannon, B Langton; S O’Mahoney, L Lyng, B White; C Lyng, C Ryan, A Lyng. Sub: K Noone for T Connolly (45)
Referee: M Kelly (Cork)
*Pictured Brid White, left in action against Donna Burke, Castlegar in the AIB All Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Final
